Question

1. To prevent oral complications, what is an important point to include in a teaching plan for a patient prescribed respiratory corticosteroid treatment?

2. If the patient is ordered a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid at the same time, which should be administered first and why?

Answer 1

1. respiratory corticosteroid treatment:

the major complications in oral cavity include candidiasis and dysphonia.

candidiasis and dysphonia could be prevented by

• use of holding chamber
• oral rinsing after use of corticosteroid
• gargle with water after use

2. bronchodilators and corticosteroids:

bronchodilators must be started first as they provide fast relief as they act effectively on the bronchioles and reduce coughing and respiratory symptoms whereas corticosteroids have much lesser action on effective production of sputum and may have late relief.